It was only last month that we came across reports from Gujarat about RTOs adopting AI-powered driving tests. Now, we have another report from the state suggesting that the majority of people taking these driving tests are failing. The high failure rates are reportedly linked to yellow lines equipped with sensors.
RTOs across Gujarat are now using yellow lines with AI sensors. These yellow lines act as markers to assess reverse parking and other manoeuvres. Before the AI-based system was implemented, RTOs used cones to mark these sections. However, with the new AI system, applicants have to rely more on their own judgement.
RTO officials said that applicants attempting reverse parking and the reverse-S manoeuvre often touch or cross the yellow line, which instantly triggers the AI system and results in failure. Officials reportedly said that 80 per cent of applicants from cities and 75 per cent of applicants from rural areas are failing the new AI-based driving test. The new test and system have been designed in such a way that the evaluation has become much less forgiving for applicants.
Along with introducing yellow lines equipped with AI sensors, RTOs have also made minor changes to the time limits for each section. For example, the time limit for reverse parallel parking, which was earlier 90 seconds, has now been increased to 130 seconds. Once the vehicle is correctly parked, a signal prompts the applicant to move ahead. Applicants who are nervous in such situations may either miss the signal and exit early or respond late, which can also result in failure.
Similarly, during the reverse-S manoeuvre, the driver or applicant has to be extremely careful, as even a minor touch on the yellow line can immediately end the test.
While officials admit that the tests are difficult, they say that it is not impossible to clear them. According to them, applicants who watch the instructional video carefully have a better chance of passing the test. The video is played once in the waiting area before the driving test.
Officials also advise applicants to ensure that the vehicle remains in the centre of the track or stays aligned with the arrows displayed on the track. People who fail to understand these visual cues have a higher chance of failing the test, as the vehicle can drift towards the yellow line.
Another interesting point mentioned by officials is that women applicants are reportedly better at following the instructions given to them. They tend to watch the instructional video carefully. Men, on the other hand, are reportedly more confident and may not watch the video carefully, which can contribute to failures.
The report also mentions that applicants from rural areas, despite having comparatively less exposure to traffic signals and dedicated driving tracks, are performing well in the driving tests when compared to applicants from urban areas.
Only last week, we came across another report stating that public outcry and the staggering 80 per cent failure rate on the new AI-powered driving test tracks across Gujarat had forced the State Transport Department to re-evaluate its automated evaluation system. It remains to be seen whether the authorities will continue with the same system or tweak it to make the test less difficult for applicants.